MUSIC

Verizon Wireless Theater and Children At Risk present the Children At Risk 5th Annual Gala - An Evening with Michael McDonald: Standing Up for Our Youth!.

We are honored to announce the 5th Annual CHILDREN AT RISK Gala, An Evening with Michael McDonald. This evening will delight you with a sumtuous dinner, musical sounds of singer, songwriter Michael McDonald, and an exclusive Live Auction. Join us with co-chairs Carolyn Farb, Author and Philanthropist, and Mary Jane Fortin, President & CEO of American General Life Companies.

Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is a five-time Grammy Award winning American singer and songwriter. Sometimes described as a "blue-eyed soul" singer, McDonald has a distinctive "husky, soulful" baritone voice. He is known for his work as a member of the Doobie Brothers and backing vocal-work with Steely Dan, and for several hits as a solo artist.

CHILDREN AT RISK speaks out for all children throughout Texas, especially those who are forced into human trafficking. This annual event raises funds to support CHILDREN AT RISK’s efforts to raise crucial awareness regarding this devastating crime and strengthen laws so victims can be rescued. Sadly, it is estimated that 150,000 American children are trafficked in the United States each year. An even more shocking statistic, Houston is one of the nation’s largest hubs of human trafficking.

The Center to End the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children is an important resource in Houston–the only one of its kind uniquely focused on ending domestic child trafficking in Texas.

Through our legal and policy expertise, CHILDREN AT RISK is currently working in the 82nd Legislative Session to strengthen laws so victims can be rescued. This includes a proposal for Texas to recognize children who have been prostituted, as victims not criminals. We are also pursuing policy change to increase penalties for the purchasers of sex, to hopefully decrease the demand for this horrible crime.

Please join us on March 26th! Pledge your voice and lend your support to help us save the lives of thousands of innocent children. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Nelson at 713.869.7740 or lnelson@childrenatrisk.org.